Under-20 Rugby - Ireland 53 Scotland 23: NINTH PLACE wasn't what Ireland had in mind when they came to Argentina, but this comprehensive win saw them clinch that spot. The Six Nations champions have bounced back to dismiss Samoa and the Scots, scoring 90 points and 12 tries.

Fullback Andrew Conway got a hat-trick in a display that showed just why Leinster have signed the 18-year-old on a full-time contract. Coach Allen Clarke admitted the victory was bittersweet after his team had failed to capitalise on opportunities in the group stages.

“We probably created a similar amount of chances in other games,” he said. “But we took them today.” Ireland led 25-6 within 23 minutes. Simon Zebo put Conway away for two fine finishes down the left, while in between the fullback fed Noel Reid to score under the posts. Ireland exploded to life in the second half, and Zebo crossed from a neat Reid inside ball.

Captain Niall Annett was next to score after a fluent move up the left, and although the Scottish scrum pushed its way over for a Stuart McInally try, a stunning Irish counter saw John Cooney chip over the cover and Conway outstrip the defence for his third.  Cooney then crossed from a Paddy Butler tap down at the line-out.

SCORERS: Ireland:

A Conway 3 tries; N Reid 1 try, 1 pen, 6 cons; S Zebo 1 try, 1 pen; J Cooney,

N Annett 1 try each. Scotland: R Harley, S McInally 1 try each; D Weir 3 pens, 2 cons.

IRELAND:

A Conway; A Boyle, E Griffin, N Spence, S Zebo; N Reid, J Cooney; B Cagney,

N Annett (capt), M Moore; D O’Callaghan, B Hayes; D Ryan, B O’Hara, P Butler.

SCOTLAND:

T Brown; C MacBurnie, J Johnstone, A Dunbar, M Tait; D Weir, A Black; A Kent, A Walker, N Little; D Denton, G Gilchrist; R Harley, C Stidston-Nott, S McInally (capt).

Referee:

G Williamson (New Zealand).